SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – While Alexander Volkov is considered a knockout artist, it was his grappling game that earned him an impressive submission win over the previously undefeated Blagoi Ivanov.

The heavyweight tournament final bout was part of the main card of today’s Bellator 120 event at Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. It aired on pay-per-view following prelims on Spike TV and Spike.com.

As the fight began, Volkov looked to stay at distance and use his ample reach. However, Ivanov used a few heavy punches to move quickly into the clinch as he looked to take the fight to the floor. The action largely stalled in the position as Volkov looked to keep upright. An Ivanov right hand did score flush after several minutes in the grinding display, but Volkov eventually pulled away and resumed his attempts to strike from the outside.

Volkov got busier with his jab to open the second frame, but Ivanov again worked inside and took the action to the floor. Unfortunately for Ivanov, Volkov slipped beautifully to the back and went immediately for the rear-naked choke. The arm was under the chin quickly, and Ivanov was forced to tap.

With the win, former heavyweight champ Volkov (22-4 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) claims a tournament win and will fight next for a chance to reclaim his belt from the man who took it from him, Vitaly Minakov.

“I’m very excited for a new title shot, and I will be much more ready for this fight,” Volkov said after the win. “I will work hard, and I am very motivated after my loss to him. I am motivated to take my belt back.”

Ivanov (11-1 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) loses for the first time as a professional.